For Trae Young, growing up in Norman, Oklahoma, meant a constant pursuit of sports opportunities to hone his skills. This often translated into long drives for his family, just to give him the platform to excel. Now a celebrated NBA star, Trae, alongside his family, has ensured that aspiring young athletes in Norman and their families no longer need to look far to find such avenues for growth.
This vision culminated in the Young Family Athletic Center (YFAC), established in July 2020, with construction commencing in 2021 and doors opening in February 2024. The state-of-the-art facility boasts impressive features, including eight basketball courts, 12 volleyball courts, 18 pickleball courts, a 25-yard competition swimming pool, a 25-yard warm-up pool, and a massive 74-foot video screen. Importantly, YFAC is also home to the Norman Regional Health System’s NMotion Sports and Human Performance Center and Ortho Central Physical Therapy, emphasizing a holistic approach to athletic development that encompasses both physical and mental well-being.
The Trae Young Family Foundation’s significant $4 million investment in the project underscores their commitment to the Norman community and their belief in the transformative power of sports.
Young Family Athletic Center Exterior
“Being able to have this facility where any kid can be who they want to be is going to be extremely important,” Trae Young emphasized in a video message during the facility’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. His words highlight the core mission of the center: to empower young individuals to pursue their athletic dreams within their own community.
This dedication to providing young athletes with comprehensive resources, addressing both physical and mental aspects of the game, is deeply rooted in Trae’s personal journey. “As far as continuing to have the right mindset … Understanding that there’s a lot that I really had to go through … that was a big reason I started it,” Trae shared in an interview with People Magazine, reflecting on the challenges he overcame and his desire to ease the path for future generations.
Growing up, Trae and his sisters, Caitlyn and Camryn, actively participated in various sports, particularly basketball and volleyball, while their younger brother Timothy continues this athletic tradition. While Norman’s Recreation Centers and the Cleveland County YMCA served as venues for some events, the Young family, like many others in Norman, often had to travel considerable distances to enable their children’s participation in competitive sports.
Young Family Athletic Center Outside View
The establishment of the Young Family Athletic Center is poised to transform Norman into a central hub for indoor sports events across the region.
“It’s beyond awesome because something like this can change a kid’s life,” Rayford Young, Trae’s father, stated in an interview with the OU Daily. He further emphasized the facility’s exceptional quality: “This facility is one of the best in the nation — not just in Oklahoma and in the region — it’s one of the best in the nation. Kids have the confidence to know that they can come in here any day, every day and work on their games. These are NBA-level basketball courts. Man, I wish Trae could’ve had that.” His words capture the immense opportunity the center provides for young athletes in Norman.
Basketball Courts at Young Family Athletic Center
Explore the Young Family Athletic Center online at their official website.
Beyond attracting regional and national sporting events, the Trae Young Family Foundation is committed to ensuring that local children can access the facility for recreational purposes. To achieve this, the foundation is developing a scholarship program aimed at making the center accessible to every Norman family, regardless of their financial situation. This initiative echoes the Young family’s own experiences and their desire to remove barriers to sports participation.
“Part of our multi-million dollar donation will help create a scholarship program to ensure that no child will be excluded based on their family’s income. That young athlete will be provided with all the equipment, jerseys, and everything necessary to ensure they have an equal opportunity to play sports,” the Young family articulated, highlighting their dedication to inclusivity and equal opportunity.
Trident Partnership Supports Mental Wellness at the Center
Trident’s $200,000 donation to the Trae Young Family Foundation, timed with Mental Health Awareness Month, directly supports the mental health resources available at the Young Family Athletic Center.
“Partnering with Trident … It’s big time,” Trae Young acknowledged. “[Trident] really understands the mental health issues going on now.” This partnership underscores the center’s commitment to addressing the mental well-being of young athletes, recognizing its crucial role in overall athletic development.
The Norman City Council has partnered with the Columbus Corporation, renowned for operating OKC’s Santa Fe Family Life Center, to manage the facility. Their expertise in serving underprivileged families will be instrumental in offering affordable and adaptive services at the Young Family Athletic Center. Planned programs encompass a wide range of activities, including basketball, volleyball, indoor aquatics, pickleball, and adaptive sports like wheelchair basketball and volleyball, ensuring inclusivity for individuals with disabilities.
“I think that’s really great that we include all members of our community,” commented Norman Ward 6 Councilmember Elizabeth Foreman, praising the center’s commitment to serving the entire Norman community.
Further expanding its positive impact, the Young family intends to leverage the scholarship fund to incentivize academic achievement among young athletes. By rewarding academic success with access to the Multi-Sport and Aquatics Center, they aim to foster a holistic approach to youth development, valuing both athletic and academic pursuits.
“Another goal is to incentivize every kid that does well in school a chance to play in leagues for free, based on grades and school attendance. Last but not least, is the importance that all kids in Norman can have fun, make memories, and have the essential experiences everyone should have growing up,” the Young family emphasized, outlining their comprehensive vision for the center’s role in the community.
In February, the Norman City Council further solidified the center’s comprehensive approach by announcing an exclusive healthcare partnership with Norman Regional Health System. NRHS has been granted a 15-year lease to operate a sports and human performance center within the facility, providing crucial services such as physical therapy, athletic training, and strength and conditioning.
Swimming Pool at Young Family Athletic Center
“We are so grateful for the generosity of the Young family,” expressed Norman Mayor Breea Clark. “The Young family’s donation will make the multi-sports and aquatics center a truly world-class venture.” Her gratitude reflects the widespread community appreciation for the Young family’s contribution.
Reflecting on their family’s deep roots in Norman, the Youngs shared, “We have raised our family here, become a part of the community, and want to continue to invest in this great city. We are honored to have this opportunity to make Norman an even better place to live, play, and call home.” Their statement beautifully encapsulates their commitment to Norman and their vision for the Young Family Athletic Center as a lasting legacy for the community.
